Darlington The resists the Mess Uni push Hall The Bev Hunter Story New album Page 7 Review – Pages 11-14

NUMBER SEVENTY-EIGHT DECEMBER ’09 CIRCULATION 22,000 ALEXANDRIA BEACONSFIELD CHIPPENDALE DARLINGTON ERSKINEVILLE GLEBE KINGS CROSS NEWTOWN REDFERN SURRY HILLS WATERLOO WOOLLOOMOOLOO ZETLAND

HopeStreet Urban Compass will be running its annual Christmas Hamper Beating the Christmas blues Drive, and this year the group is putting together up to 550 hampers to hand out to the homeless community and the disadvantaged residents of the Woolloomooloo and Glebe housing estates. Brendan Wood, Relationships & Communications Manager of HopeStreet, said the Christmas Hamper Drive ran every year because the hampers were always well received by people. “Many of them depend on it for their Christmas meal, either on their own or with their family,” he said. “The fact that we are able to hand out a hamper and offer a hand of love makes an impact on them.” Mr Wood said that the members of the community were fairly honest in helping the group evenly distribute hampers. “When they’re in need, they’ll tell us and when they’re not and they’re okay, they’ll usually tell us as well,” he said. The Kings Cross Community Centre will be closed from Christmas Day to New Year’s Day but the centre is making sure its clients are looked after and are given enough provisions during that time. Robyn Greaves, the Centre Coordinator, said many of the disabled and elderly clients lived alone or were isolated during the Christmas period. “I contact all our clients and talk to them about what they’re doing over Christmas, tell them what’s available, and if possible get them booked into places to go on Christmas day or organise for someone to visit them over the Christmas period,” she said. The Kings Cross Community Centre arranged for its members to attend rotary lunches and the centre’s own HopeStreet affordable toy sale in Glebe Photo: Ali Blogg Christmas lunch. It also worked through other charities to organise the delivery Brendan Wong Christmas Day Street Party which has Mr Long expected 1000 to 1500 he said. “People are anxious to be part of Christmas hampers or gifts for clients run every year since the early 1970s. people to attend the lunch but he of our party.” Mr Long said the public who would benefit from them. S With Christmas fast approaching, Rev. Graham Long, Pastor and CEO said there had been years when the could help with the Christmas Day many inner-city welfare agencies are of the Wayside Chapel, said the free attendance had reached 3000. Running lunch by volunteering or donating food For information on how you can donate hard at work organising lunches and community event was not only for the the lunch required 400 volunteers or equipment. The Wayside Chapel has or assist with the Wayside Chapel’s hampers to support disadvantaged disadvantaged but for those who were but the group always received more traditionally made Christmas hampers Annual Christmas Day Street Party members of the community. lonely. “We just say if you need to be volunteers than they could use, Mr Long but due to current problems with their visit www.thewaysidechapel.com with us, then you qualify. It’s really said. “When we call for volunteers, we building, the group will be giving To donate or assist with HopeStreet’s The Wayside Chapel is currently about not being alone, more than start the registrations at 9am and by out back-packs with items such as Christmas Hamper Drive visit preparing for its popular Annual anything else,” he said. 3pm that same day we got them all,” toothpaste and soap. www.hopestreet.org.au

EVELEIGH FARMERS’ MARKET SATURDAY WEEKLY 8am - 1pm

An Undercover Marketplace Visit www.eveleighmarket.com.au for all details 243 Wilson St, Darlington 2 N e ws December 2009

PUBLISHER South Sydney Uniting Church Raglan Street, Waterloo Funding for young mums, swim and dance lessons? Telephone 0400 008 338 Phone/fax 02 9698 8949 The views expressed in this newspaper are Flint Duxfield those of the author and the article and are not necessarily the views of the Uniting Church. The Settlement Neighbourhood ADVERTISING Centre in Redfern is set to expand its [email protected] community programs after receiving 9319 1373 a $100,000 donation from Queensland MAILING ADDRESS: mining magnate, Peter Bond. The Linc PO Box 2360 Energy CEO made the donation after Strawberry Hills NSW 2012 spending ten days in Redfern as part LETTERS of Channel Nine’s reality TV series, Please send letters and emails to: The Secret Millionaire. The South Sydney Herald. Email: [email protected] Supply sender name and suburb. Chairperson of the Settlement Size: 150 words or less. management committee, Joel Pringle, We may edit for legal or other reasons. said the Centre was extremely grateful for the support provided by Mr Bond. “Something like this makes a huge EDITORIAL COMMITTEE difference to a neighbourhood centre like the Settlement which is traditionally quite underfunded,” he said. Mr Bond, whose estimated wealth is over half a billion dollars, said he initially planned to donate $50,000 up front and provide more funding in following years. But after spending time at the Settlement, he realised the importance of providing the funding without any conditions. “The feedback was that they don’t get Vicky Winters Photo: Ali Blogg Managing Editor Andrew Collis a lot of money without strings attached to it. I was going to try to control it, but health and educational services for the “That would allow us to transport more Community Building Partnership scheme I thought what if these people aren’t here local community for over 100 years. It people to events like Karate competitions to fund the upgrade. Residents of the in the years to come? Let’s give them the runs on an annual budget of around which some of the kids take part in and Marrickville electorate were invited most we can right now.” $300,000 with which it assists around also to do more spontaneous work like to vote for the Settlement’s proposal Mr Bond said he was inspired to 80 young people and adults each week picking up local youth and taking them alongside 13 other community projects donate the money after witnessing the through a drop-in centre, after school care swimming.” through a ballot system organised by the dedication of local people at organisations and other community programs. Roxanne Briggs of Canterbury has Member for Marickville, Carmel Tebbutt. like the Settlement and the Shop, which Exactly how the funds will be spent is been visiting the Settlement for over 17 Ms Withers said the Settlement had he visited whilst filming the show. yet to be decided. Ms Withers said there years. She has four children aged 6 to made it through to the second round of “If you’d asked me before I went are a number of options on the table 14 who regularly visit the Settlement the selection process for the grant and there what I expected to find in the and proposals are still being accepted and take part in its activities. “The was hoping to receive at least part of the FEATURES EDITOR community, I probably would have given from community members about how kids love the Settlement, especially the funding requested when the recipients Dorothy McRae-McMahon a stereotypical answer about drug and the money should be used. homework centre. It’s because it’s so are announced in early December. alcohol problems. But after spending “We’re thinking about starting a young warm and friendly. I don’t know what If the Settlement doesn’t receive the ten days working with people like those mums’ group to get young mums into a the community would do if it wasn’t funding it needs, it may be able to look at the Settlement, I walked away filled space where they can interact publicly here,” she said. to Peter Bond to provide additional with hope and optimism because here are with their children. We’re also hoping While the Settlement is grateful for the assistance. Mr Bond said he was planning people working hard to break the cycle to use it for some new initiatives for the money provided by Mr Bond, Ms Winters on visiting the Settlement again before of difficulties that the community faces.” kids like a swimming program or dance says more funding is needed to finance Christmas and hinted that there could be According to Manager, Vicky Winters, lessons,” she said. much needed building upgrades. further funding available for the Centre. “I the Settlement is Australia’s oldest Ms Winters said there was also the The Settlement has applied for might go back and give them additional neighbourhood centre, providing cultural, option of buying a community bus. $300,000 through the State Government’s money if need be,” he said. S

NEWS EDITOR Trevor Davies Thirty years and still transporting

Dorothy McRae-McMahon

The 30th anniversary lunch for South Sydney Community Transport (SSCT), held in the Australian Technology Park, Eveleigh, was packed out with member clients alongside drivers, volunteers, PHOTO EDITOR officials and various community Ali Blogg leaders. All around were people telling good stories of a service that is life changing for many. Manager Jane Rogers moved around making everyone ASSISTANT EDITOR Esther Turnbull feel welcome, and the President of the SSCT Committee, David Atkins, guided DESIGNER us through the event. Robert Young

PRINTER The brief Annual General Meeting Spotpress PTY LTD brought only good news – a financial 24-26 Lilian Fowler Place surplus for the year, increasing funding Marrickville, NSW 2204 from its sponsors and overall enthusiasm www.spotpress.com for its services. The Chinese Ultimo Community Choir sang, Auntie Silvia REGULAR CONTRIBUTORS Scott welcomed people to Country “We gratefully acknowledge the many volunteer contributors and distributors and Gumeroy delivered an amazing who make this publication possible.” didgeridoo performance. Roy Wakelin-King, CEO of the Redfern John August Katherine Keefe Waterloo Authority, described the depth Laura Bannister Kelly Lane of care, the extra mile of service given by Jane Barton Rebecca LeMay all associated with the transport and its The Ultimo Community Choir sings in celebration Photo: Ali Blogg Tara Clifford norrie mAy-welby Lindsay Cohen Nicholas McCallum contribution to the forming of community Lee Conley Barrie McMahon among all concerned. community. The third, and she thinks She stated that there is still much more neighbours and social outings. Wendy Collis Robert Morrison In launching the new DVD, which most important, factor – that the project to be done on a wider front in the city, Ms Moore announced that the pilot Pam Dagwell Sarah Malik tells the story of the service, Lord Mayor has attracted “an extraordinary range of especially in the light of global warming, project shuttle bus from Redfern to Glebe Douglas Dingwall Olivia Nigro Clover Moore reflected that so many imaginative, dedicated and hard-working and suggested that the State transport via the Royal Prince Alfred Hospital Flint Duxfield Navot Rom community organisations begin with staff and volunteers”. system could learn much from South would continue to be funded by the City Alex Fleming Alex Taylor enthusiasm and then falter as time The objectives of the service are Sydney Community Transport. of Sydney. Steph Gesling Marg Vazey goes on. She felt the fact the SSCT has ones to which the Lord Mayor has been She celebrated, especially, the She then launched the new DVD, Eve Gibson Angelique Watkins succeeded is due to three main factors. committed all through her varied political difference it makes in the lives of so many which was followed by children from the Kristy Johnson Philip Wen The first is that the service is based on life. She believes that “an equitable city people – allowing them to move around Darlington Public School Choir leading Perry Johnstone Neil Whitfield genuine need, and the second that it is must be an accessible city and one that for medical appointments, shopping, local the singing of ‘Happy Birthday’ and “firmly based in and built on” the local caters for all ages and abilities”. exercise centres, social interaction with enjoyable socialising by all. S December 2009 N e ws 3

New Centrelink officers Free speech or hate speech? norrie may-Welby second speaker, Chris Mansergh, a long-term Dale Mills, 46, a long-term member of the to help the homeless truth and social justice activist, spoke in Humanist Society, told the SSH: “I think that Riot squad, sniffer dogs and police on favour of the right of the neo-Nazi group to freedom of expression is very important, but Robert Morrison Ms Plibersek. “Focusing on prevention horseback gathered around the Humanist meet, on the principle of freedom speech. this is more about organisation, and far-right reduces the number of people who will Society building in Chippendale on the first Mr Mansergh told the SSH that he had gone organisations coming together to organise Minister for Housing Tanya experience homelessness. Assisting Friday night in November as a hundred to the Humanist Society building a few weeks and promote their policies. If their policies Plibersek, and Minister for Human homeless Australians to access the full local folk conducted a lively street protest previous for a meeting of another group, and are racist and hateful, I think that leasing Resources Chris Bowen, have range of Centrelink services will help against a neo-Nazi group that had planned he and his friends had then been terrorised by them a room to let them do that is a step appointed 90 new Centrelink staff them end their homelessness sooner.” to meet in the building. people attacking the building with baseball too far.” He said the booking had probably across Australia, who will work to Since taking office, the Labor bats and smashing windows, not knowing been made without the nature of the groups achieve Kevin Rudd’s goal of halving Government has spent over $7 billion The demonstration had been initiated by until afterwards who those people may have being known. homelessness in Australia by 2020. on homelessness. However, many are some local people who had been disturbed been or what they wanted. It seems likely President of the NSW Humanist Society, questioning whether this generous at the sight of Nazi icons on those apparently that these people had been trying to protest John August, issued a statement to that As part of the Labor Party’s White spending is making an inroad into the using the building for a regular neo-Nazi against Nazis, using the same techniques for effect, explaining that a group called the Paper on Homelessness, the new homelessness problem. meeting. In an address to the crowd, one which Nazis are notorious. Public Information Forum (PIF), banned Community Engagement Officers will “Kevin Rudd has stated that the local resident told of his fear as a gay person Kieran Adair, a local university student from meeting at Humanist House in 2005, work closely with non-government number of homeless in Australia is at seeing people gathering with brazen who came to support the rally, told the had returned under the name Klub Nation. organisations like drug and alcohol ‘unacceptable’, but his government has, displays of Nazi paraphernalia associated with SSH: “I don’t want fascists in my city or my At the recent AGM in August 2009, PIF/ rehabilitation services, mental health so far failed to deal with the problem,” murderous homophobia, racism and cultural country. The Nazis started this way and it’s Klub Nation participants and supporters services, hostels, boarding houses, says Tom Dobson, local Green-Left intolerance. Other people from groups targeted too dangerous to even let them plant their were elected to the Humanist Society’s refuges and drop-in centres. activist. by Nazis expressed similar concerns. Yet the roots. Hate speech is not free speech.” management committee. S Daniel Withers, 47, hopes the The Homeless Persons Information new CEOs can help the 340 people Centre recently reported a record 67,000 “sleeping rough” in Sydney every calls to its assistance service for the night, particularly in the inner west. 2008-09 financial year. That was 13,000 Planning to make heritage relevant “I’ve been in that situation and it is calls more and 24 per cent higher than SSH Register. She also discussed the Heritage the Heritage Act anything deemed of State one that I never want to return to … the year before. Wesley Mission in Grants Programs and indicated that “the significance. Many people think it’s a choice for Sydney has also reported turing away A forum held at the Newtown Government is committed to making Heritage Peter Lowry said the National Trust fully these people because it was their own on average 35 people a night and have Neighbourhood Centre late last month, relevant”. supports the separation of Planning from drug addiction or alcohol problems that already housed over 1500 people this attended by 40-50 people, enabled the Brad Hazzard claimed that former Minister Heritage and decries the composition of got them there, but that’s not true,” year. That is 15 per cent higher than Heritage Legislation Amendment Bill 2009 for Planning, Frank Sartor, now a backbencher, the Heritage Council being largely “people says Withers. “The new CEOs should last year. to be publicly debated with interaction has recently reversed his view that there is who are pro-development”. He believes that help get more of [the homeless] off the However, Mr Bowen hopes that the from the public. no need for a new Environmental Planning community needs must be given precedence streets and into homes or shelters.” greater accessibility to information & Assessment Act. Hazzard’s Liberal Party, over the demands of developers in the A recent count by Sydney City through the CEOs will help reduce Co-chaired by MHS President Richard Blair if elected, would bring out a new EP&A Act decision-making process. Council found that Woolloomooloo had these numbers. “Centrelink is a key and committee member Sonia Laverty, guest within 18 months of gaining office and would Some questions from the floor related to the highest number of “rough sleepers” ‘first to know’ agency and is well speakers were Helen Westwood MLC (Labor); split Planning and Heritage into two portfolios. the slowness of the heritage listing process, in Sydney closely followed by Kings placed to identify people at risk,” says Brad Hazzard MLA, Shadow Minister for Sylvia Hale expressed despair over Part whether the Government is listening to Cross. Other areas recording higher than Mr Bowen. “These officers are trained Planning (Member for Wakehurst, Liberal); 3A Major Projects (introduced in 2005 and the community’s concerns, and developer average numbers included Paddington, to work with homeless Australians, Sylvia Hale MLC (Greens); and Peter Lowry, supported by both major parties) which donations. In relation to donations, Peter Glebe, Surry Hills, Ultimo and Redfern. who have difficulties accessing National Trust board member. allows the Minister for Planning to switch off Lowry said, “If the system for heritage “[The] CEOs will help individuals information and all available support Most of Helen Westwood’s speech heritage protection and make major planning worked properly, there would be no need to break the cycle of homelessness,” says services they need.” S discussed recent additions to the Heritage decisions. This effectively exempts from regulate donations”. S 4 N e ws December 2009

Why vegetarian?

By Angelique Watkins The meat from these animals feeds a fraction that could Well, why not? Not only be fed if the same amount of am I a vegetarian for ethical land were used for human reasons, in that I don’t believe food crops. If we all went in harming other living vegetarian, less land would beings, but for good overall be required to feed the people health and environmental of the world and there would reasons also. be less degradation to the environment. The starving Many people claim they are populations of the world striving for a peaceful world, may be able to eat if only half yet as humans we are the only of the land used for grazing animal that consistently kills and livestock food crops for fun, and eats other animals Parichat (Anne) Chantarat of the Thai Square restaurant on Redfern Street Photo: Andrew Collis were used to grow food crops when there is no nutritional for humans. need to do so. Do we really want to strive towards peace, Rolling up the shutters and getting Vegetarianism can be a or just talk about it, to be seen difficult choice as most of as a “peaceful person”, while us were raised to eat meat, down to business continuing to act in a manner have become accustomed inconsistent with a peaceful Philip Wen plan as examples. And while the City says the majority to eating it, and have been While the removal of shutters will of property owners support the Roll-Up philosophy? Businesses in Redfern have been be voluntary, RWCC President Mary Redfern campaign, some tenants require sheltered from the reality of it as we tend to buy it from asked to roll up their infamous shutter Lynne Pidcock said she hoped business more convincing. “The one time we If you stop to think of the doors – for good. owners would support the cause and help didn’t put our shutters down, we got a supermarket or butcher harm that is caused not only demonstrate that Redfern’s stock was on broken into,” said Julie Nguyen, of Yen’s pre-packaged and ready to go. The City of Sydney, Redfern Waterloo the rise. Ms Pidcock said: “A very strong Vietnamese Cuisine on Regent Street. “It to the animals that are bred However, if you can make the Authority (RWA) and the Redfern message that we think that we can give was only a few weeks ago.” in large numbers only to be Waterloo Chamber of Commerce (RWCC) is ‘We will roll up the shutters’, and give “Three times they broke in even with slaughtered, but to the land step towards vegetarianism or have joined forces to launch the Roll-Up the impression that Redfern is open for the shutter doors,” said Hazem Sedda, by breeding “livestock” solely at least make vegetarian food Redfern campaign, urging business business, it is welcoming, it is on its way manager of Redfern Convenience Store a larger part of your diet, not owners along Redfern and Regent Streets back – and we want to give that very on Redfern Street. “If we leave the shutter for the purposes of food and only will you be healthier to remove shutter doors from their shop strong message to everyone.” doors open, it will not be good. Insurance clothing, where less harmful fronts. The City of Sydney believes that will be a lot higher without shutter doors alternatives are available, (provided you do eat sensibly “Shutter doors send out messages of improving the appearance of shop fronts – it’s already high in Redfern anyway.” is the decision to eat meat i.e., a range of fruit, vegetables, insecurity, higher-than-average levels will add to street appeal. Numerous When asked for comment, the City justified? The process of eating grains and legumes), but of crime, and the need for protection,” shops along Regent Street have of Sydney said their own enquiries you will know that you are RWA Chief Executive Roy Wakelin-King deteriorated after being vacant for long to insurance v companies indicated farm animals requires large explained. “Removing shutter and roller periods. “If a shop is vacant, owners that insurance premiums should not tracts of land to be cleared making a positive difference doors will acknowledge the revitalisation can agree to artworks or aesthetically be increased if the roller shutters are for the animals to graze and to your fellow animals and of the area to its current state and its interesting products displayed in the removed, and that alternative security to grow the food to feed them. the environment. exciting potential.” shops, in a professional layout, so that measures were being discussed. The City, RWA and RWCC co-wrote the area regains a ‘live’ look and not a Mr Wakelin-King said that the area’s a letter to business owners talking depressed, unengaged look,” a City of history of high crime and insecurity was up business opportunities, citing the Sydney spokesperson said. “The idea a thing of the past and incongruous with imminent arrival of Channel Seven at is to create more vibrancy in the area, the optimism of today. “We believe the Column sponsored by the Australian Technology Park and attract many more people and create perception about levels of security in the the approval of the Aboriginal Housing more interest in renting or selling shops area is not currently reflective of reality,” Company’s Pemulwuy Project concept that are currently empty.” he said. S BADDE MANORS CAFE Vegetarian (and vegan), multicultural and eclectic Open 7am to midnight • Open late on weekends Supermarket and pokies “socially irresponsible” 1/37 Glebe Point Road, Glebe NSW 2037 Tel 9660 3797 • baddemanorscafe.com Kelly Lane refused comment for this story, have significant concern to me is, how much argued that the supermarket is vital to pressure was put on the management of The City of Sydney Council has the club’s survival as it is a major tenant the club and the members of the club by approved a supermarket in the new in the development. the poker machine industry?” Souths Leagues Club building, despite However, Greens Councillors Labor Councillor Meredith Burgmann no guarantee the club will be pokie-free Irene Doutney and Chris Harris, the had faith in Souths Leagues Club’s as once hoped. only Councillors to vote against the intention to submit a development development application, expressed application without reference to poker When Peter Holmes à Court and their concern about the potential for a machines. She said, however, that under Russell Crowe took over the South Sydney supermarket and poker machines to be the legislation only planning controls Rabbitohs in 2006, they were applauded housed in the same premises. Cr Doutney should have influenced Council’s decision Assure for their announcement to have a new said she supported the Leagues Club about the supermarket. “They made a style of club without poker machines, but it would be “socially irresponsible” decision and supported a supermarket, until Leagues Club members later voted for the IGA to be in close proximity so to then say you can’t fit it out because Psychology to retain them. to poker machines, because shoppers there are poker machines next door is not Mr Holmes à Court said last month that, could be diverted and gamble their food a lawful decision,” Cr Burgmann said. despite his wish to see the Leagues Club money. “When you live in an area that’s The survival of the club was also 306 Abercrombie St (Cnr Shepherd) free of poker machines, the football club full of people that are on very, very low important to the social fabric of the Chippendale NSW 2008 had no power in a final decision. “Russell incomes, many of whom have a number of Redfern area, she said. and I are separate from the Leagues Club,” addiction problems ... it would seem folly “It’s really important that the club Caring, confidential psychological services Mr Holmes à Court said. “We expressed a to me to put a supermarket in the same be there, as a focus for community desire, an aspiration, because we felt it was building as poker machines,” she said. sentiment.” to help you deal with life’s difficulties in the best interest of the community of Lord Mayor Clover Moore did not take Mr Holmes à Court believes the club Redfern ... we were just hoping, imagining, part in the vote because Mr Holmes à may still open in the middle of next year, dreaming.” Court was a donor to her state election without poker machines. “Russell and I Bulk billing available on referral from GP City of Sydney Councillors were faced campaign in 2006. Cr Harris said he gave have only argued from the start for one with the decision about the DA for the initial approval to the supermarket in 2007 thing, which is, it’s worth a shot to try and Contact Elizabeth Munro on 0408 612 808 fit-out of the supermarket last month. Prior because he saw it as a means of income for create an environment [where] families approval had been given for a supermarket the club in the place of revenue from poker want to gather, friends want to watch or at [email protected] in 2007, but for some Councillors this machines. “My view now is if they’re the football [and] people want to go out was on the basis that the club would be going to finance the club with poker to dinner.” pokie-free. machines, they don’t need a supermarket The supermarket will operate from 7am Souths Leagues representatives, who there,” Cr Harris said. “The other thing of to 10pm seven days a week. S December 2009 N e ws 5

The Darlington and Alexandria Park Public School Band Photo: Ali Blogg What instrument does a skeleton play?

Dorothy McRae-McMahon “What does a bird say on Halloween?” the parents, they all agreed that of encouragement, combined effort and complete with a very impressive The bird says, “Twig or tweet!” creating community between its talent as the band set itself up to bring young soloist singing confidently into I must admit I didn’t know the diverse pupils and those around was us its music. If you were expecting a microphone! Times have changed. answer to that significant question On the day, we all had a great a strong feature of life at the school. ‘Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star’ or maybe It was a great fun day, with a until told to us all by a confident time walking around among the Watching the music teacher, Graeme some familiar elementary classical Ghost House in one of the classrooms young Darlington Public School stalls and the suitably painted and Sandstrom, organising a number of pieces, you would still be waiting. and all sorts of enjoyable activities student at the Halloween Fete attired Halloween characters in the individual performances and then that The band, which is a combined for everyone. We came away with recently. The answer is, of course, school grounds. Everything hummed of the school band, told us a lot about Darlington and Alexandria Park a sense of real celebration for all “A trombone!” Obvious, when you with activity and a real sense of the nature of the school and its staff. Community School group, launched that lies there in the efforts of both think of it. She gave us another one. community. Talking with some of There was such a spirit of friendliness, into a song from Mama Mia!, teachers and students. S Support Independent Media! Aidez s’il vous plaît!

The SSH invites you to join us aboard the Deerubbun for a unique Australia/Survival Day experience on January 26, 2010

Meet at Sydney Fish Markets at 4.30pm for cruise 5-9pm Cost: $70/$60 (includes BBQ and soft drinks) Booking: Contact Trevor Davies before Jan 15 to reserve a place on the boat tel: 0400 008 338 or email: [email protected] we need your help! The SSH is an independent We can’t do this By mail: not-for-profi t community PO Box 2360 Strawberry newspaper, produced mostly without you. Hills NSW 2012 by volunteers, published The SSH gratefully accepts By electronic transfer: monthly by the South Sydney donations and in-kind support. BSB 062 231 Uniting Church, distributed ACCOUNT NO. 1021 8391 without charge to 30,000 If you would like to make readers from Zetland a contribution you can do so, Contact the Editor: to Woolloomooloo. anonymously if you wish. [email protected] 6 N e ws December 2009

Labor’s hard line on immigration Have You Heard? Alex Fleming pressing alarm at the moment is Malcolm New Guinean region. THE FAST NEWS Turnbull’s recent announcement that if Labor for Refugees is also pressing for WITH TREVOR DAVIES Controversy has once again erupted the Coalition is returned to power he will more action on climate change refugees across Australia over the nation’s reintroduce the Temporary Protection Visa – those who either now cannot or in the Campus life five years, in the mid-70s, I taught Scripture across the Northshore – immigration policy following the abolished by the Rudd Government. future will not be able to continue living in Last month the Sydney Morning incident involving 78 Sri Lankan Under this category of visa, people their native homelands due to the effects Model Farms, Baulkham Hills and Herald had a serious of investigative refugees that emerged last month. were not permitted to leave the country of global warming and climate change. Pennant Hills, North Sydney Boys, reports about some of the appalling nor were their families allowed to come This is a serious and foreseeable threat Ku-ring-gai High Schools. I was Prime Minister Kevin Rudd has to Australia. Ms Scott argues that this towards small and underdeveloped behaviour of the male students at Pennant Hills High on Tuesday received criticism for his handling of the subsequently led refugees to encourage nations such as Bangladesh and the in the residential colleges at the mornings. After reading some pretty issue, which has sparked a country-wide their families to get on boats and attempt Maldives. As early as the 1990s the University of Sydney. I received an discussion about the highly complex issue the dangerous passage to Australia. UN has taken action to protect these email from a former student who emotional stories and asking all of “illegal” immigration. “We are very concerned about the possibly displaced peoples, however Ms also worked at some of the bars on the 13-year-old students to bow Given his position as the message that Mr Turnbull is sending to Scott believes, that as a powerhouse in their heads and pray, six students overwhelmingly preferred Prime refugees, both within Australia and those the region, it is up to Australia to take campus. She writes: “Working at raised their hands to respond to a Minister contending with a conflict-riven considering getting on a boat,” Ms Scott a leading and more concrete role in the the University of Sydney student Opposition, many have expressed their said. “What we have here is Mr Turnbull matter. bar you get an insight into the call to conversion. In retrospect I’m disappointment with the position taken presenting the public with opposing Nonetheless, Ms Scott praised the drinking culture in colleges. There embarrassed by the way I taught by Rudd. From Canberra late last month, rhetoric – he says he wants to stop the government for the way it has significantly were regularly parties where only Scripture. I don’t think I’m alone. Mr Rudd defended his strong position, flow of boats and yet he’s willing to decreased the processing time of detained first year girls and older guys were That probably still goes on. There arguing, “I make absolutely no apology reintroduce this visa … [it] is so horribly refugees, as well as abolishing detention is a strong case for the Department whatsoever for taking a hard line on illegal irresponsible.” debt and putting an end to children being invited. We had such a problem of Education to protect our kids and immigration to Australia”. Ms Scott said that although Labor for placed in detention. with guys buying girls mixed drinks The national debate has sent Labor for Refugees was pleased with the progress Beyond this, Ms Scott remained that were double shots (without make sure that only trained teachers Refugees, a grass-roots lobby and action that has been made since the Rudd optimistic about diplomatic progress on telling the girls) that we had to ban teach Scripture. The Minister must group comprised of members of the Government took office, there was still the issue, particularly in the way the Rudd doubles. They dealt with that by approve Ethics courses and I’m ALP, formed following the 2001 Federal much to be done. Of particular concern government has opened up talks with buying a mixed drink and a shot, sure she will. Parents must have a Election, into overdrive, petitioning the is the “Australian migration zone”, which Indonesia and our neighbours to address choice. If you want to make your government to undertake a humane and distinguishes between Australia and the issue on an international scale. and tipping it in the drink once international approach to both the Sri Australian waters. “It is a really complex and controversial they were away from the bar. After voice heard, there is an online Lankan refugees as well as the broader Under current legislation, refugees who policy area, we have to spend enough that we had to ban shots, and the petition where you can register problem. are picked up by authorities within these time on it and hear all perspectives to kids just simply stopped turning up your support for Ethics courses. Linda Scott, Surry Hills resident and excised areas are processed separately make sure we get it right and avoid to events. When we tried to sort it Co-President of Labor for Refugees, says from those on the mainland on Christmas isolating ourselves. It’s good that we are out with senior college kids who that the Sri Lankan scandal has now Island. Refugees that are processed there negotiating with Sri Lanka. It’s good that Surry Hills Festival more than ever illuminated the need for do not have the same rights or options we are negotiating with Indonesia. This were on the Events Committees returns to Crown Street a fairer and more humane refugee policy. available to them, and can be sent to is an international issue and it needs to they told us that we were being too It seems that, next year, the However, Ms Scott believes that of most neighbouring islands within the Papua be addressed at its source.” S strict and not giving them cheap enough drinks so they would rather Surry Hills Festival will move go to pubs in the surrounding back to Crown Street from Prince areas and get cheaper drinks and Alfred Park. It had moved from more lax security there.” One last Crown Street to Prince Alfred comment. I work in an inner-city Park after the RTA decided to news agency and have to sell a impose massive charges on the magazine called Zoo, a magazine Surry Hills Neighbourhood Centre with pictures of women in states (the organisers of the festival). of undress. It’s called Zoo. What The charges would have wiped does that say about how we blokes out most of the profit from the view women and some may even festival which is, we understand, treat women – like animals. The the Neighbourhood Centre’s magazine is published by ACP main source of income. Now (the publishers of The Australian the million-dollar question is: Women’s Weekly). We need a good Will the RTA do it again? revival of 60s feminism. We need Germaine. Come on sisters! Don’t Living heritage take that sort of crappy behaviour There’s always a lot of interest in from us blokes. On the other hand, heritage issues – old buildings, guys, how about we men call each the Eveleigh rail yards, etc., but other into line in the name of being there are some inner-city residents respectful to women and to the best in ourselves? Perhaps ACP who should also be seen as should change the name of this living heritage. Poppy is of Greek trashy publication. Just think – they heritage, born in Alexandria, axed The Bulletin and kept Zoo! Egypt. She has been living in Jason Glanville, CEO of the National Centre for Indigenous Excellence Photo: Ali Blogg Darlington for 50 years and knows all there is to know Ethics instead about Darlington. Poppy had coffee National Centre part of Redfern of Scripture? with her favourite pollie, Tanya The debate on ethics courses in Plibersek, and offered the Minister renaissance, says CEO schools is interesting. For about some good old Greek wisdom.

Navot Rom need for the new Centre and believe it across the country, and we’ve already got may take attendance away from similar interest in bookings from organisations As the opening of the National Centre local services, such as the Police Citizen as far away as North Queensland and for Indigenous Excellence gets closer, Youth Club. Western Australia.” CEO Jason Glanville addresses the Geoff Turnbull of REDWatch, said: Locals such as Mr Turnbull have concerns of local residents. “All the services already exist, it’s just a questioned whether the project is matter of another one being added in.” necessarily more suited to Redfern’s The NCIE is being developed by the However, Mr Glanville says the NCIE needs than the old school. “There’s been Indigenous Land Corporation and is is targeting national, as well as local, a fair amount of unease and resentment planned to open on the old site of Redfern needs. Speaking of his own role in the about it from the local community … Public School in January, with some development, he said: “Our job is to population is going up and Redfern facilities being activated in December. oversee the entire project … and make no longer has a school … It was done Mr Glanville said of the long-awaited sure that, as a national Centre based in because it’s what the ILC wanted, opening: “It’s a little bit behind time, in Redfern, we start to build that national and thought Redfern was as good as terms of our original expectations but, outreach; while being of as much use to anywhere else,” he said. with a project of this size, things often the local community as we can possibly But Mr Glanville is enthusiastic about run overtime and our concern is that we be, also growing into a national centre the role of the privately funded NCIE in get the project right rather than rush it to and being useful to as many young government plans to renovate Redfern. try and get it finished. And for us a new Aboriginal people from across the country “I would hope that the Centre is being year opening is a good thing. We get to as possible. Our ambition is that we’ll established at the right time, given the start the new year with a new centre.” have about 5000 young Aboriginal people approval of the Pemulwuy plan … to be Tanya Plibersek and Poppy Photo: Bill Sheridan Some locals are skeptical about the through the Centre every year from right a part of the renaissance at Redfern.” S December 2009 N e ws 7

Flair, initiative and perseverance at the ATP ADVERTISEMENT

Nicholas McCallum

Last month the Minister for Kristina Innovation, Industry, Science and Research, Kim Carr, was at the Australian Technology Park (ATP) in Eveleigh Keneally MP as part of the federal government’s MEMBER Powering Ideas initiative. The senator from Victoria was there as part of the FOR HEFFRON Rudd Government’s long-term strategy to boost the nation’s innovation capacity and performance. This was part of the South Sydney and Botany Bay residents $3.1 billion injection into research and innovation from this year’s budget. now can use a new, high frequency bus “It is a strategy to stimulate creativity, to accelerate the production and service to the City and North Shore. dissemination of new ideas,” the Senator said. “It is also a strategy to translate The newest Metrobus route is here, running between more Australian ideas into products Mascot and Gore Hill. The route 20 Metrobus service and services we can sell to the world”, stressing the importance of transforming Senator Kim Carr talks with staff from Innovations Photo: Ali Blogg provides an extra 80,000 spaces for people travelling Australia’s fresh ideas into commercially between Sydney’s south, the city and the lower North viable products. rail heritage company, 3801 Ltd., and over $30 million in private and public “This is an area in which we have the unique blacksmith shop, Wrought investment, generating over 78 new shore every week. As with the Metrobus route 10, the not always done well,” he stated, Artworks, the ATP also hosts numerous products and services and over $40 million adding, “Having great ideas is one thing. IT companies. It is also home to national in revenue. route 20 Metrobuses are a distinctive bright red colour. Commercialising them is another.” research centre for NICT Australia, ATP Innovations works in partnership The Senator praised the steadfast and is the largest information and with Australian National University, abilities of the young technology communications technology company in University of Sydney, University of New This is the second of a five-route Metrobus network, companies located at ATP, despite Australia, working in the fields of medical South Wales and University of Technology which will be completed by the end of 2010. This whole recent economic difficulties. “Economic sciences, environmental management and Sydney and has provided 95 new graduate downturns do more than cause short-term intelligence. positions as of 2008. network will provide over 300,000 additional passenger hardship, they also destroy capacity that Also found at the Technology Park is Senator Carr expressed his gratitude can take years to rebuild,” the Senator Marathon Robotics, a company that has at the expanding possibilities and spaces on Sydney’s busiest corridors every week. said. And whilst there was some praise for been developing cutting-edge Rover System opportunities that the site offers for the Rudd stimulus package, Senator Carr for realistic target training for military and Australian ingenuity, and the role the ATP did not take away from the efforts of the law enforcement training. will play in transforming the nation’s ideas The Metrobus network is unique and features: Australian workers and ingenuity housed There is also the GreenTech company, into products and services that will be at places like ATP. Biopower Systems, which has been accessible for the world. “Most of the credit, however, goes concentrating on developing wave and “It is immensely satisfying to see • a route that connects places of work, to Australian workers and Australian tidal energy solutions. The company innovation in action,” the Minister said. shopping, entertainment and hospitals industry,” he said. “Successful innovation plans to bring its zero carbon emission It is also immensely satisfying to see requires flair, initiative and perseverance. bioWAVE and bioSTREAM online in government investment in Australian They have contrived to keep skilled and Australia by 2010. These will be at specific ingenuity within Australia, instead of • high frequency services not requiring a timetable experienced people in jobs. They have held locations around the country, feeding allowing the country’s young and creative their nerve under fire.” power into existing grids. minds to be exported overseas. With Currently there are 55 individual There are currently more than 450 continued investment it is hoped only their • a cashless, PrePay-only service for faster boardings, and companies at ATP, along with the historic fulltime employees at the ATP, attracting products will be leaving our shores. S

• a mixture of high capacity ‘bendy’ buses and standard buses. Darlington resists the Uni push From Mascot the new Route 20 service will travel up Neil Whitfield smallpox and other hazards. In 1835 the Smythe provided Arnott biscuits, E. and botanist, Thomas Shepherd, had a nursery G. Humphreys the cordials, the chemist Botany Road, turn right onto Epsom Road in Rosebery, Like old Dan in Judith Wright’s there named in honour of Governor Ralph Mr. M. H. Limon the programmes, and ‘South of My Days’ John and Bev Hunter Darling; the street names – Ivy, Rose and four local butchers the meat.” past Victoria Park on Joynton Avenue, up Bourke Street, have 70 years of Darlington memories so on – reflect that origin. By the late 19th Bev remembers the alcohol-free dance across Phillip Street, Waterloo and then to the City along hived up in them like old honey. “It was century Darlington was well established nights. “We used to walk up to the a great place. We had the best of it,” Bev as the working class suburb John and Bev Surryville, where the Wentworth Building the Chalmers Street/Elizabeth Street corridor and on to recalls. “It was a really safe area. You Hunter were later born into. now is, and walk home again around North Sydney, Crows Nest, St Leonards and Gore Hill. could leave your key in the door, or 11pm – that’s how safe it was then.” leave it open, or the key under the mat. But the University did provide work, You never got shut out.” too, for local people in the 60s and 70s. As you may recall, the Route 20 was originally planned Bev herself worked as a cleaner in the “It was terrible, what happened. Wentworth Building from 5-9am, then at to start and terminate at Rosebery. However, the southern ‘Progress’ they call it, but the Town Hall a shop on the corner of Calder Road and where everyone had their birthday parties, Shepherd Street, which she eventually terminus was extended to give residents and workers in engagement parties, wedding parties – that owned. Later she was in the hamburger the Mascot area greater access to public transport. went. But we did save the old school, bar upstairs in Wentworth. The Calder which is a music room now, and the gates Road shop did much business with with the war memorials. How many were students from the new Engineering School; The NSW Government made the pledge when the affected? You’d have to look at the James among Bev’s customers was Frank Sartor Colman Report on the expansion of Sydney with whom Bev would in time be on first Metrobus trial began of giving Sydney more University into the Darlington area.” Bev Sydney Council. Bev’s activism in that buses, more often. That promise is being delivered has a copy in front of her. It came out in role is local legend now. Her community 1976 and is in Waterloo Library. work was acknowledged by the Council with the Route 20 and will continue to be honoured There were some, apparently, who in 1988 with an Australia Day Award for helped themselves to people’s property Bev Hunter Photo: Ali Blogg voluntary work. She had also become next year with three more Metrobus routes. even before they had fully moved out. a JP during those activist days so she Some of the local hard men soon dealt One of the attractions for young people could save people having to walk up to with that. “It was pretty tough in those in the 40s and 50s of last century was the Newtown Court to get their documents For more information on the Metrobus Route 20 days,” Bev says. “But we did get enough Surryville. Johnny Devlin & the Devils, witnessed. She is still an active JP. and additional services that are planned, visit support to stop them crossing Shepherd from New Zealand, started a permanent Bev and John raised three children in Street” – referring to the University of Tuesday night dance at the Surryville, Darlington. Retired to Long Jetty, she still www.sydneybuses.info/metrobus.htm Sydney which began encroaching on but the place had been jumping long feels part of the Darlington community. Darlington in the 1960s and has now before that. St Vincent de Paul’s had Some of their old neighbours now live “swallowed up almost half the suburb”. an event there: “In the winter of 1903, not far from their new home, including Not the first time the area was devoured the Society organised at ‘SurreyVille’ for one who was John’s next-door neighbour Kristina Keneally MP of course. In 1788-9 the “Kangaroo the distressed poor of the parish a Bread in 1939. Bev still has relatives and friends Ground” (as it was then known) was set and Butter Dance which was hailed as in Darlington and visits quite often. Member for Heffron aside for educational and other purposes, ‘a perfect success’. Thirty-three lady A sister-in-law and her family still live in Shop 117, 747 Botany Road, Rosebery NSW 2018 though it would be the 1850s before the parishioners, ranging from Madame Calder Road. S University actually appeared just above Huenerbein to Madame McSweene Phone: (02) 9699 8166 Fax: (02) 9699 8222 the swamp and lake that formed one of furnished a generous table free ... Rickett’s Acknowledgement: St. James’ Forest Lodge Email: [email protected] two sources of Blackwattle Creek. By 1791 string band discoursed the music and parish history (online) for the account of most of the Cadigal had succumbed to Miss May Stanley played the extras’. G. the St Vincent de Paul event of 1903. 8 N e ws December 2009

tripod cafe 262 Abercrombie St, Darlington Ph: 9698 8677 Open 7 days Mon-Fri 7am-5pm Sat-Sun 8am-4pm Pepsee CUT & COLOUR SALON Style cuts for a great price for everybody 276 ABERCROMBIE ST DARLINGTON Julie Crittle ponders the future Photo: Ali Blogg Boarding house under new management 9310 4927 Alex Taylor resulted in Bridge Community Housing Activist Jack Mundey says that the Ltd offering rolling one-month leases heritage-listed Millers Point boarding The management of a number of to allow tenants to stay on in their houses were a lynchpin in the struggle the culturally-significant Millers Point dwellings. to preserve culturally significant boarding houses has been placed by “Landladies … have been a part buildings with Green Bans in the 1970s the Department of Housing into the of the heritage fabric of this area for and that it is important that low-income Sydney and Melbourne hands of a not-for-profit company. over a hundred years, however, given people continue to have access to the our tenancy law offers no protection properties. Numerous head tenants, including to boarders, the move to leases by “It was in the Millers Point and 1300 769 389 two women in their 80s, and residents Bridge Community Housing is a step Rocks area where the Green Bans www.goget.com.au in boarding houses in Lower Fort forward, and if the verbal assurances fought for the right of decent rents for Street, had previously been under by Bridge about the ongoing nature of lower-middle income people and so I government orders to vacate their the leases is to be relied upon this is a think that’s got to be maintained. And 24/7 access to cars parked nearby premises by October 30 without the good outcome,” says the head tenant this government hasn’t got a very good assurance of alternative public housing. of a Lower Fort Street boarding house, record of looking after public housing, However, residents’ lobbying has Julie Crittle. or for the lower income groupings.” S SKYLINE PRINT & DESIGN Pub politics with emphasis on participation Instant printing, business cards & more Nicholas McCallum Club in Surry Hills, has been proudly as Meredith Burgmann. characterised as an association of the Another point of difference between Shop 2, 100 Regent St, Redfern NSW 2016 If the boys from Monty Python have broader left, but Ms Barton believes the THAT and PIP is the role that the taught us anything, it’s that alcohol and focus has been too concentrated on a audience plays. Where the PIP crowd sits Phone 02 9698 0088 philosophy are a great mix. And when particular, one-sided narrative. “As a in the traditional row of seats and appears it comes to holding forums concerned former Convenor of Politics In the Pub, quite subdued, the Toxteth audience [email protected] with the institutions that have been I feel that that forum has lost the plot members have tables on which to place handed down by the likes of Plato, it insofar as they are just the usual array of their beverages and are encouraged to www.auskyline.com seems only logical they should be held the radical left,” Ms Barton stated. participate. “We encourage heckling and in one of Sydney’s public bars. Through THAT Ms Barton hopes to don’t object to swearing,” Ms Barton energise debate by including people from admitted, something that will surely So far Sydney has not been home to all sides. “I actually started THAT as an occur after a few drinks leads to lowered any noble ideas to rival the ancients, antidote to PIP,” the Convener said. inhibitions. but Talking Heads At Toxteth (THAT) in At a PIP session last year, held to Past guests have included Philip Glebe is host to debates that would make discuss the ‘Pathology of NSW Labor’, Ruddock, Pru Goward, Greg Smith and Mr Oven the ancient Athenians proud. THAT is the panel hosted Alex Mitchell of Fairfax John Dowd from the Liberal Party, Greens just one of the thematic discussions that Media fame, and Greens MP of the Mayor of Leichhardt Jamie Parker and Cleaning • Sales • Service • Repairs are held in pubs across the inner city NSW Upper House, Lee Rhiannon. But journalist Michael Duffy. and which are fast becoming a unique when an audience member asked if Upcoming sessions in 2010 will discuss Phone 1300 661 221 aspect of Sydney as a home for social anyone from the Labor Party had been such things as “politicalisms”, or, voting and democratic discourse. asked to participate in the discussion, in terms of race or gender, the forgotten Held on the first Thursday of every it was revealed that no one had been fight for freedom in West Papua and “Our oven’s never looked so good!” Ali & Dorothy, SSH month, the ironically named Talking approached. ‘Putting Community back into Politics’. Heads At Toxteth is dedicated to providing “We do not have a party political There will also be a feminist trivia night in a public and accessible forum for the agenda,” Ms Barton affirmed, though she conjunction with the Feminist Bookshop. people of Sydney, with emphasis on doesn’t deny that, for the moment, THAT For those who enjoy the dynamism audience participation. will be run like a dictatorial party of one. of public forum, or perhaps just want Convenor of THAT, Kate Barton, “I prefer a committee of one, however I the chance to heckle and boo, be sure artyourservice former convener of Politics In the Pub often co-opt friends to help with different to participate in the next Talking Heads (PIP), is intent on engaging all sides of tasks,” she said, before adding that she at Toxteth on Glebe Point Road (Toxteth • PICTURE FRAMING • FOOTY JUMPER SPECIAL $150 politics. For years, PIP, held at the Gaelic is happy to enlist the help of others such Hotel, 345 Glebe Point Rd, Glebe). S • SPECIALISING IN SPORTS MEMORABILIA

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M & J Carpet Pty Ltd Supply Repairs & Lay Carpet John Lanzky Managing Director [email protected] Ph: 0416 048 932 STOP PRESS! Local woman, Patricia Corowa, has been invited to be part of the Pacific Calling delegation to the Copenhagen Conference on Climate Change. Patricia is an Australian- born South Sea Islander of both Saltwater Muroona, Sovereign Ancient Nation of Djiru, Ni-Vanuatu and Sovereign Ancient Nakamal of Yiatnamatta, Tanna, descent. She has long been ABN: 31 080 034 368 an activist for her people and the land. We wish her well and look forward to hearing from her when she comes back! Photo: Ali Blogg December 2009 F e a TU r e S 9 Building on Common Ground SSH

In October, NSW Premier Nathan Rees received widespread community support when he announced a plan to permanently help some of the 27,000 of his citizens who are homeless every night. On November 19, NSW Housing Minister David Borger informed the media that the DA would be placed that day with the City of Sydney.

The initiative will model the Common Ground Housing concept begun in New York in the early 1990s by Rosanne Haggerty, who was present when the Minister visited the Camperdown site to announce the DA. The Common Ground project approach has now reduced homelessness in New York by 50 per cent, saved huge amounts of funding and is being reproduced in many cities in the US, as well as in most State capitals in Australia. Therese Rein is the Australian patron of Common Ground Housing. City of Sydney Council, Housing New South Wales and not-for-profit partners such as the Mercy Foundation will join forces to offer around 90 of Sydney’s homeless their own apartments in this first Common Ground endeavour in the State. Architectural firm, Hassell, and developer, Grocon, are providing their services at cost. MA Housing, a division of Mission Australia will be the community housing provider for the project. The building will have a 24-hour concierge and programs such as drug and alcohol counselling, health support, and education and employment training will be available in the complex. The various services provided will also be offered to the residents already living in the Public Housing on either sides of the new development. The proposed site of the purpose built accommodation is vacant land between two existing housing department blocks in Camperdown. The concept plans require the demolition of a small section of one of these blocks, known as Alexander Artist’s impression of new housing development: Supplied Terraces, and the resulting displacement of some of the residents who have spent forms part of the Joanna Odea complex stable housing first and then offering and students as well as the formerly on Homelessness entitled ‘The Road most of their lives in the units. into a park that can be used by tenants on-site support services after that gives homeless living in a socially inclusive Home’. The Paper’s goals were to halve However, in discussing this dislocation of public housing, the Common Ground the best chance of ending chronic environment.” homelessness and provide supported with Minister David Borger, it appears project and other residents from the local homelessness. The building will have a In December 2000 the Federal accommodation to all rough sleepers that although things were not easy community. This will serve the dual tenancy mix with low income workers Government released a White Paper by 2020. S in the beginning, many of the issues purpose of providing alternative open are gradually being resolved. There space for a park and integrating the new will be six households affected and project into the community.” careful arrangements are being made Cr Harris says: “With good for the relocation, with each tenant management, sensitivity and a holding personal discussions with the cooperative approach between Housing Chewing the fat on trans fats Department. Three of the residents have NSW and the City of Sydney we can decided to group together, to keep their create an innovative project that begins John August as compared to the “good” unsaturated are mostly about manufactured food long-term friendship going. They will to tackle homelessness in Sydney and fat, the “cis” type. – the approaches to food preparation be moving to an attractive unit in the provides more affordable accommodation Bob Carr has echoed the calls, from However, it’s worth understanding don’t really influence trans fats content. Inner West. Housing NSW will cover and open space for local residents. The overseas and from Kogarah Council, that pretty much all naturally occurring This means that for fast food chains, the all residents’ removal costs, pay for the site is considered ideal, being close to to require a prohibition on the use of fats are composed of a combination of whole enterprise needs to change the reconnection of electricity, gas, phone transport, a hospital and the city.” trans fats in fast foods as a condition these different types of chemical fats – food it produces. For individual outlets, and internet as well as for three months Mercy Foundation is one of the key for Development Applications (DAs). only the relative proportions vary. we still need an effective market with mail redirection. players in the Common Ground housing I spoke with Rosie Stern, a food Some unprocessed foods like meats suppliers willing to provide low trans Remaining residents in the Terraces project. The Foundation is a Catholic scientist and local member of the have small quantities of trans fats. fat foods. Dietitians Association of Australia. Because these are unavoidable, various Still, focusing on trans fats and It is nonsense to believe, as many authorities have accepted these in avoiding saturated fats means you Fats can be saturated (having no people’s diets. The problem comes can miss the big picture. You want to people do, that the homeless double bonds), mono unsaturated with additional trans fats, which are control your kilojoules and your total fat (having one double bond), and avoidable. content, even if it might be unsaturated are that way by choice... polyunsaturated (many double bonds). However, while we can focus on non-trans fats. Many people don’t know Saturated fats were previously known to “fast foods”, there’s a lot more to the to check the nutrition information panel have been assured that the heritage philanthropic organisation owned by be the most unhealthy, promoting the trans fat picture. The processed foods on foods (check out the kilojoules and issues related to their buildings will be the North Sydney Sisters of Mercy. Their retention of so called “bad” cholesterols, we buy at supermarkets have variable fats of “2 minute noodles” – they’re respected and that their courtyards will current focus is on homelessness and while polyunsaturated fats promoted and unknown amounts of trans fats. diabolical!). remain private to them. their CEO, Felicity Reynolds, believes “good” cholesterols. This has been reviewed in articles in Further, some food suppliers sell Although some public grassed land Common Ground offers a real opportunity However, during the processing of fats Choice magazine. There was a push to foods with unhealthy levels of fat will be lost in the development, the new to break the cycle for many of Sydney’s to give them a more solid consistency include the trans fats content on food because that’s all consumers are willing building will make access to open space most vulnerable. and longer shelf life, it was discovered information labels, but this was lost. to buy. We need to become more a priority and there will be a community “It is nonsense to believe, as many that nominally “good” fats (unsaturated Then you have the cakes and aware as consumers – and we need the garden available to residents. people do, that the homeless are that way and polyunsaturated), the molecules had pastries you buy at cafes, what you information to become more aware. In response to the concerns of by choice. They usually have a range of a different arrangement, incorporating a don’t normally think of as fast food, Local Government DA restrictions won’t residents about open space in the area, problems that have forced them into this “zig zag”, and we had so called “trans” but nevertheless have looser regulation hurt, but we need a broader regulatory City of Sydney Councillor and Greens predicament,” Ms Reynolds said. “The fats. These also encouraged the build-up because they’re not “packaged”. Vendors framework – providing trans fat representative, Chris Harris, has asked longer someone stays homeless, the of bad cholesterol and were unhealthy in do need to tell you about allergens – but information on the nutrition information the Council “to meet with Housing NSW deeper the entrenchment and adaptation other ways. It became clear we needed it’s not clear whether they need to tell panel – together with consumers who are to investigate the prospects of jointly to that lifestyle. to differentiate unsaturated fats into the you about trans fats. willing to look into what they’re buying developing some adjacent open space that “Studies have shown that providing “bad” unsaturated fats, the “trans” type, When it comes to fast food, trans fats and make informed judgements. S 10 c o MM e n T & O P i n i o n December 2009

Thank you to our volunteer distributors in 2009: Kath Green, Jackie Dettman, Melissa McMahon, Georgina Abrahams, Adrian Emilsen, Adrian Spry, Bede Kelcher, Anthony Kable, Rosemary Tyler, Miriam Pepper, Nicole Fleming, Eve Gibson, Matt and Tammy McClennan, faith Lyn Turnbull, norrie mAy-welby, Sam Choy, Joel Pringle, Barrie McMahon, Barry Carroll, John Berry, Ross Smith, Mark McPherson, Chelsea Reid, Gaylene Smith, Nicole Gertenaar, Damien Roberts, Don Crowley, Tony Pooley, Gai Smith, Sue Dahl, Jacob Hikila, Stan Correy, Di Everingham, Cherishing the child Pepsee, Steph Gesling, Donna Mulhearn, Gabby Briene, John August, John Lanzky, Neil Whitfield, Peter Lonergan, Nick McCallum. Dorothy McRae-McMahon us with their offerings to the world. We also need to say a word about Maybe it’s not by chance that in the the yeast, which often has negative Christian tradition we believe the Christ connotations in biblical writings. came into the world as a vulnerable child. Nevertheless, yeast is also an addition

Cartoon: norrie mAy-welby norrie Cartoon: As we remember this in the Christmas that can enable growth and produce season, perhaps this year we could something sustaining. Yeast is the cry of contemplate whether we, the churches protest. Yeast is the cry of lament: “Why and the community, have loved, protected God? Why did this happen?” Yeast is the and respected all children as we would heart’s cry for acceptance and for justice: hope for the Christchild? Where we have “This did happen to me. It shouldn’t have not, could we grieve that and offer to the happened. It must stop happening.” abused a love and care which is long Like yeast in a ball of dough, voices overdue – as though we were caring for rise from within our families, schools the vulnerable Christ. and churches. Overwhelmingly, this is After the Prime Minister’s apology where abuse happens – not at the hands to half a million Australians abused of strangers, but at the hands of known in institutional “care”, many of those and trusted adults. It’s a terrible tragedy institutions owned by the churches, we and an offence to our sense of already could remember that the Gospel speaks providing safe and caring families, schools of family, of kin: “What does the kindom and churches. Voices rise. Two million of God resemble? To what will I liken adult survivors of child abuse. There is no it? It’s like a mustard seed ... It’s like kindom of heaven for us without hearing yeast” [In the Inclusive Bible translation and without heeding what they say. of Luke 13:18-21 “kindom” replaces What does the kindom of God the more common “kingdom” with its resemble? To what will I liken it? It’s like editorial implicit sexism and reference to power a community, church (or a church-run he media is hugely powerful in its us. To tell the life stories of ordinary and consumers of the lives of the rich over others]. school or college) whose leaders and Tinfluence on society and therefore people who survive against the odds and glamorous. Talk about the kindom of God or the members work to untangle knots of carries a grave responsibility. The way or achieve great things lifts the hearts We can collude with those who end kindom of heaven is religious and political abuse, whose down-to-earth members we do our work has the power to either of us all. discussion before it begins by labelling talk, interpersonal and environmental assume heavenly responsibility for build or dismantle community. Media can encourage or discourage people as “rednecks” or “latte and talk. It’s about space. It’s about open unbinding what is bound, whose There are times when we pretend genuine debate. The role of the media chardonnay drinking lefties” or refuse space – space for life and freedom, space members work in a Spirit of care and to ourselves that we are just reporting is not just in the area of honest and to support this and insist that the issues for telling painful truths. It’s about making support, and in response to a promise of and reacting to the initiatives of others. accurate reporting. We can take people be properly explored. space in particular places wherein we space for life and freedom. The promise There is a certain truth in that, but it’s deeper into the issues, or keep the Media can invite us to dare to trust say that God reigns, that love rules, that is real. The kindom of God is a real place. far from the whole truth. What we give discussion superficial. Television often each other or be endlessly suspicious. there is enough space for you and me, The childlike heart understands that. prominence to, the emphases we give uses grabs and sensational bits and It can stereotype people in categories or for those unlike us as well as for us. The People brought their infants forward for and the very selections we make for pieces, rather than the more reflective encourage us to be curious about and kindom of God is a place, as implied by Jesus to touch. When the disciples saw coverage, are part of the formation of mode of some radio and print media. stimulated by difference. the word “kin”, of mutually respectful this, they scolded the parents. However, the life of the community. The supreme example of this To be part of the media is a great and supportive relationships. Jesus intervened by calling the children to The media can concentrate on the trivia lies in what now purport to be privilege and challenge. May we all have When we talk about the kindom of God himself. He said, “Let the children come bad news or give us stories that inspire magazines – turning us into voyeurs a great new year together! we are talking about safe places for caring to me. Don’t stop them, for the kindom relationships. Our projects in the name of of heaven belongs to such as these. safety and care for the one who cries, “For The truth is, whoever doesn’t welcome comment as long as I remember, I’ve been hurting” the kindom of God like a child will never [Psalm 88:15], matter a great deal. Even enter it” [Luke 18: 15-17]. if what we create together is something And whoever doesn’t cherish the life Mostly bad news on global warming not so grand, not so impressive by the of little children, may never know what it Barrie McMahon in stopping global warming was always grows. They think that not only might standards of world-beaters and big-time is to be a true friend of God and one who going to be by a journey of thousands they win the next full-term election, they players. Our task is not to build a big and shares in making Christmas real. So let’s start with the good news. of steps, of which Copenhagen might might even win a double dissolution one. impressive place but to make our place Senator Ian Macfarlane is showing have been one. We’ll just have to look Rudd won’t stop BHP mining coal and as safe and as caring as we possibly can. Based on a homily by the Rev. Andrew Collis real leadership in his negotiations for others. sending it to China. It might be asked, It’s about caring for the beginnings of for a service at South Sydney Uniting Church: with Penny Wong on amendments to Meanwhile the skeptics are having a Who will? Maybe the farmers who object things – the tiny “mustard seeds” of life, Preventing Child Abuse and Supporting Adult Labor’s ETS legislation. The tragedy is dream run. As we are all illiterate when to good agricultural land being turned which, if we nurture them, will surprise Survivors. that it might all be in vain. But along it comes to the science, they just say over to mining. Maybe the self-funded the way there have been a couple of that the cost of everything (with an ETS) retirees (through their superannuation) statesperson-like pronouncements, will rise through the roof – and they are will invest away from BHP. Maybe the of the Epsom Rd, Zetland depot. It also which we should have heard from not necessarily wrong. The ETS is an rest of us will stop buying imported readers’ letters recommended “council should not locate Rudd months ago. extra tax. It is necessary because: Our products made from/with our coal. depots adjacent to recreational, residential climate is warming because there is too Looking at it economically, the more Rosebery ropeable or commercial areas”. However, when the They are: There will be no more much CO2 in the atmosphere; we have we spend on energy, and the energy Rosebery site came up for sale and council coal-fired power stations built in burned too much fossil fuel; we bought component of other basic goods, the less The article in last month’s SSH on City bureaucrats saw it would make a cheap Australia, and, Don’t put your faith in it cheaply; we did not count the getting we spend on the imported goods from Council’s proposed garbage truck depot depot conversion they decided to ignore due geo-sequestration to solve the carbon it back. overseas, which moderates the Chinese for Rosebery claims our Action Group diligence, their own depot strategy and the problem. The reason you haven’t heard But Rudd has not been prepared to demand for coal. This all changes, of is unhappy because “of three possible constraints presented by adjacent residents this from Rudd is that he is beholden sell us this cost because his approval course, once we don’t get our energy sites, Rosebery is the worst option”. This and the increasing residential developments (and holding us captive) to the coal rating might slip (as it did). So we are from coal, but from wind, solar, tide, hot is incorrect. In fact, Rosebery was never surrounding the site. The way in which the interests – more on that later. swayed by the skeptics. Optimistically we rocks, hydro, and, err, nuclear. Our own an option, never one of the three possible Rosebery site was chosen for a 24/7 heavy From now on it is bad news. Copen- downgrade climate change as an issue. effort, alone, is necessary (but futile as sites. The sites recommended under fleet operation was wrong and will cause hagen looks like a fizzer. That won’t be We turn our attention to boat people the skeptics tell us). There must be global Council’s depot strategy were: (1) the RTA problems for residents, local businesses and the end of the world – that is still due in (which doesn’t reflect well on Rudd collaboration on this – which was what site on Burrows Rd, Alexandria (currently for the councillors who will have to field 2050 at the rate we are going. Success either). The confidence of the opposition Copenhagen was/is about. leased to City Council); (2) Anywhere the on-going complaints for years to come. else around the Alexandria canal, north Graeme Grace of the airport; and (3) redevelopment Rosebery Residents Action Group Channel Seven a boon to local business Roy Wakelin-King to the ATP. The Plan was superseded by to accommodate community feedback. development that will be held at the ATP boost for the area. Already the building the Redfern Waterloo Authority’s Built In relation to the building’s height, in December 2009. process alone has created jobs for over 60 I refer to the article contained in Environment Plan (Stage 1) (BEP) and the planning controls for the ATP limits The community engagement process Aboriginal employees, many of whom live the November 2009 edition of the SSH Schedule 3, Part 5 of State Environmental building heights to 12 storeys, which does not stop when construction work in the local area. This offered a number entitled ‘Channel Seven rates poorly in Planning Policy (Major Development), the developer has complied with. The is completed. It is an ongoing process of these people the opportunity to enter Alexandria’. which were both adopted in 2006. They suggestion that the developer or the that we will undertake in partnership the workforce for the first time. allow for a variable building height of 4, State acted in some underhanded way with the developer and the tenants of The builder, WATPAC, is to be The article strongly implies that the 11 and 12 storeys over the Channel Seven to permit a change in the height of the the building. This is why I am pleased congratulated for its commitment to this Redfern Waterloo Authority deliberately site. The Channel Seven building does not building from 5 to 12 storeys is false and to advise that Channel Seven and its critical program. kept residents in the dark on this matter, exceed the maximum allowable 12-storey misleading. The developer of this building partner company, Global Television, will The benefits will also go beyond the and goes on to suggest that there was height limit. has complied with the law. be joining me at the community meeting construction phase, and we will see a inappropriate conduct regarding the In addition to statutory notification I acknowledge that this development in December 2009. further invigoration of the local business approval process. This is not correct. requirements, the Department of Planning has raised concerns from some members The most fundamental aspect of this community, generating more local jobs The development of the Channel Seven sent over 1,000 letters to the neighbouring of the community, who want to know development is the significant positive and leading to positive social change. building was carried out in accordance businesses and residents regarding this how potential impacts of the operation of impact that the arrival of Channel Seven, We are committed to working with the with strict adherence to the planning laws development. the building will be managed. This is why Global Television and Pacific Publications community to achieve this. and procedures of NSW. The Australian Following the completion of the public I have met with the local residents directly will have on the broader Redfern Technology Park (ATP) Master Plan consultation process a number of changes to discuss their concerns and have also Waterloo community. The economic and Roy Wakelin-King is Chief Executive Officer referred to in the article no longer applies were made to the design of the building organised a community meeting on the social benefits will provide a significant of the Redfern-Waterloo Authority. The Review December ’09 11

Newtown Festival languid, solar-powered

Laura Bannister arpeggio of a brass saxophone, stalls, the focus of the iconic day-long Park over the course of the day. from the Crooked Fiddle Band to building steadily to a crescendo. festival seemed to be something The atmosphere was nothing short Newtown Community Choir. Newtown’s annual community that lay beyond the often quirky of electric, as mouths and figures The Newtown Neighbourhood music celebration, the Newtown For over 30 years the free exterior of the inner city suburb. buzzed in delighted conversation over Centre provides community services Festival was brilliantly kick-started community event has been Whether intentional or not, the a shared plate of Gozleme, bodies to Sydney’s inner west for those once again on Sunday November 8 run by the efforts of Newtown important factors that make the sprawled languidly across tufts of who are socially and economically in the usual grass roots style – with Neighbourhood Centre, with the community unique came strongly grassy terrain. The music that wafted marginalised, as well as general a resounding clap of some slightly help of many dedicated volunteers. to the fore – namely the inclusion through the grounds could have information and advice on local rusted cymbals and the, inverted Comprised of five stages showcasing of those traditionally excluded. been anything, because everything community groups and activities. live music, performances, licensed In spite of stubborn, fluctuating was there – be it indie, jazz, garage, bars, workshops and over 280 arts, weather conditions, a steady stream tango, shoegaze, grindcore, dutch pop, Visit www.newtowncentre.org for craft and food of 80,000 visitors passed folk, reggae, electronica or hip hop. more information on the NNC. through the gates of The Vocal Local Village Stage, Camperdown run completely on Solar Energy, Memorial featured bands ranging Rest

Urban sprawl Photo: Hamish McCluggage Pump up the jam Elton John concert for World AIDS Day

at CarriageWorks SSH particularly around World AIDS Day to demonstrate care and Started on December 1, 1988, concern about HIV and AIDS, Kristy Johnson World AIDS Day is about raising and to remind others of the need money, increasing awareness, for support and commitment. The Urban Dance Centre is proud fighting prejudice and improving red ribbon started as a “grass roots” to announce its annual Urban Jam education. The World AIDS effort. As a result, there is no one will be held at CarriageWorks (the Day theme for 2009 is Universal official AIDS ribbon manufacturer, venue used for filming of the hit Access and Human Rights. and many people make their own. television series So You Think You World AIDS Day is important If you want to take your Can Dance Australia) on Saturday in reminding people that HIV awareness raising a step December 12 at 2 and 8pm! has not gone away, and that further then try finding a despite significant advances in local event to take part in. Watch the Centre’s full-time medical treatment, there are The 2009 World AIDS Day students perform a variety of many things still to be done. Concert will be held for the second pieces choreographed by leading time in Sydney – at the Seymour industry professionals including According to UNAIDS Centre on December 6. As a tribute Juliette “Jet” Verne, Veronica estimates, there are now 33.4 to the legendary Sir Elton John, Beattie and Rosa Agius. These million people living with HIV, Ricki-Lee Coulter headlines a pieces represent the professional including 2.1 million children. talented cast of performers including development of Urban Dance of what it takes to succeed in evening performance shows. Their During 2008 some 2.7 million Paul Capsis, Rhys Bobridge, iOTA, Centre’s full-time students the national and international performances will showcase the people became newly infected Rob Mills and David Harris all throughout the duration of entertainment industries. hard work and determination put with the virus. Around half of backed by the 30-piece Sydney the Certificate IV Performing Although the So You Think You Can in by the students throughout all people who become infected International Orchestra. Proceeds Arts Course. Each student has Dance experience did not allow for the year. Enjoy watching with HIV do so before they are will help fund vital services for been equipped and prepared his vocal talents to be showcased, choreographic pieces by Sally 25, and die due to AIDS-related people with HIV as well as assisting with the necessary skills for a Timomatic is a triple threat of Hare and Tiana Joubert. complications before they are 35. the ongoing battle to find a cure. successful entry into the dance the new generation in terms of Also featured on the day will be The red ribbon is an international and entertainment industries. being able to sing, dance and act. the Centre’s performance groups, symbol of AIDS awareness worn Bookings: www.seymourcentre. Co-Directors Juliette “Jet” Three qualities of a performer we Urban Youth Project, Urban Dance by people all year round and com.au or (02) 9351 7940 Verne and Julie Williamson are strive for our full-time students to Project and Urban Dance Project delighted to have So You Think become,” says Julie Williamson. Two. These performance groups You Can Dance 2009 Finalist Tim Youth students aged 5 onwards provide talented dancers with the Ticketmaster is CarriageWork’s the Urban Dance Centre full-time “Timomatic” Omaji perform a and Chance to Dance students foundations of Hip Hop and urban official ticket supplier for the students and performance groups vocal number for the crowd. will perform for friends and styles, and the potential to develop event. Prices are $40 for an adult in action, visit www.ticketmaster. “Timomatic is a prime example family at both the matinee and their performance skills further. and $35 for concession. To watch com.au or call 1300 723 038. 12 The Review December ’09

Film Review more questions than it answers, and ideas to the Theatre Review section by Lindsay Cohen has no ending. this year. See you again next year for The Reviews Rating: Full price admission, more local, national/international 1½ choc tops, large popcorn and a theatre. medium drink with a bowl of your Music Review drawing you in from the first few bars. mum’s chicken soup afterwards. »»[email protected] by Julie Patterson You can’t help but move your feet. The distorted guitar riffs, and strong »»[email protected] drumbeat hold the song together, Book Review and the female backing vocal floats by Graeme Grace through the song beautifully. Theatre Review The song I keep singing long after by Jane Barton A Serious Man listening to this new record is the Directors: The Coen Brothers second track, and first single, ‘Bell’. For The Birds Starring: Some actors, In keeping with the ornithological The Mess Hall but really, it’s about theme of the album title, Jed sings Ivy League, 2009 the Coen brothers his praises to a bird: “From your Genre: Not your usual Coen nest I hear you sing / sounds like a Ah, The Mess Hall, Sydney’s best bell built for a king.” The piano in live band (in this reviewer’s humble this track is a nice change, and the Only the Coen brothers could The Water Dreamers: opinion), are back with their third melody stays with you. “My soul turn a film with a theme along the The remarkable history album, For The Birds. As a long-time starts aching for the sounds escaping lines of “life’s not as bad as you think Cabaret of our dry continent fan of this duo I’m pleased to report from your chest.” and then you die” into an amusing New Theatre Michael Cathcart that this record is good. Very good. ‘Tijuana 500’ is lyrically cool – and occasionally very funny semi- Nov 19-Dec 19 Text Publishing, 2009 I first saw Jed Kurzel and Cec think Johnny Cash singing about autobiography. Mind you, A Serious Lyrics: Fred Ebb Condon play at the Annandale Folsom. “I ended up in a mess on the Man is no Big Lebowski or Burn After Music: John Kandor in 2004, and was instantly taken boarder / the kinda place they take Reading, or pretty much any other The drought is over in inner Sydney. Dir: Louis Fischer in by their frenetic, mesmerising, the lambs to the slaughter.” Coen film for that matter. It takes a We can tell by the easing of the water With: Stephen Anderson, raucously energetic rock performance ‘Bare’ is a great rock song. The serious look at human relationships restrictions. But it continues elsewhere, Sheridan Harbridge, The sounds they produced were repetitive bass line and solid and the various roles of religion, and Michael Cathcart’s history Matt Young, Colleen Cook, incredible and you’d be forgiven for drumbeat build in tempo to peak in education, gender, and physical connects us with the rest of Australia Barry French, Crystal Hegedis, thinking there were five musicians a frantic Nirvana-esque guitar solo and mental health in society. But and with Sydney’s own dry past. Nate Gilkes on stage, rather than these two that, frankly, could have gone on a especially religion. It is deliberately a book of contrasts: Musical Director: Sarah Gates totally in-synch guys. I followed lot longer. It is no secret that the Coen colonists from a green and pleasant them all over Sydney for the next ‘Marlene’ is a curious track – “The brothers are Jewish. They are also land in a dry and unforgiving three years, and every single show Bible in your hands is just for show” very amusing and that may be no Life is a … The challenge of doing environment; agrarian settlers vs was the same – raw energy backed up – soulful and sweet sounding, with a coincidence. Indeed it begs the Cabaret is to avoid the clichés. Louise hunter/gatherers; the dreams of by great rock songs, delivered with soft brush drumbeat. question, “Are Jews inherently funny Fischer and co. have managed that plentiful water and the unfortunate an on-stage chemistry and charisma ‘Swing Low’ is hauntingly or is Judaism inherently funny?” in this very enjoyable production at reality. that’s palpable. beautiful, a slow, sensitive and sad You don’t have to be Jewish to enjoy the New Theatre. It’s a good choice Cathcart takes us from hydro- Their first album, Notes From A song that’s ultimately optimistic and A Serious Man but it probably helps. for the New who are always needing engineering feats, like the Tank Ceiling (2005) is awesome, capturing positive: “If I swing low / Know that Unless you’ve had a Barmitzvah, a big box office draw to complete Stream and the Ord River scheme, their live energy and combining I’m going home / To fall on my feet / battled wits with a Rabbi or hated much needed upgrades, and the sultry to the modern day sale of irrigation it with colourful, creative, poetic This world complete.” your Hebrew lessons you probably sleaze that Cabaret inspires fits the licenses and consequent distortion of lyrics. The single, ‘Metal And Hair’, The final track is the most can’t truly appreciate some aspects King Street milieu like a leather glove. water conservation and river health is a brilliant, racy, rocking track and beautiful thing The Mess Hall have of the film. But everyone’s family The singing is universally strong, the issues. Along the way are the many standout on this album. ever recorded (yes, better even than is dysfunctional to some extent so interpretations of the Kit Kat Klub clashes of Aborigines and colonists Their second album, Devils Elbow ‘Red Eyes And Sunshine’). there is something here for everyone, girls – cowgirl, baby doll, dominatrix, (over water and well-watered land, of (2007), won the prestigious Australia Without a doubt, The Mess Hall especially if you’re a Coen Brothers Russian soldier and nurse – are course) and an overview of an entire Music Prize (AMP), but for me are back with a fantastic record fan. contemporary and cute, even if the genre of forgotten, early-20th Century doesn’t compare with the first, and definitely worth buying. You should Mind you, despite my Jewish choreography is a little too fixated on Australian novels of imagined actually left me feeling disappointed. also go to their website – www. heritage I still have no idea what doggy style – less really can be more! civilisations and seas set in the then For The Birds changes all that. themesshall.com.au – to check the scene at the start of the film set The acting, particularly Sheridan unknown middle of our continent. The boys have refined their sound out Cec’s hilarious rant against an in a shtetl (19th century Eastern Harbridge/Sally Bowles, Colleen He spends the first half of the book somewhat. It’s more stripped back, English department store. European Jewish village) in Yiddish Cook/Fraulein Schneider and Barry debunking long-held popular beliefs: slightly more relaxed, but no less raw. had to do with the rest of the film. Young/Herr Schultz is excellent, there was no general conviction that The opening track, ‘My Villain’, is »»[email protected] So just like a Coen brothers film although Matt Young’s interpretation Australia must contain an inland very Mess Hall – strong guitar sound this review is all over the place, asks of Clifford Bradshaw is disturbing sea; Burke and Wills did not die of – he slaps and grabs Sally with more thirst (starved to death in the mud, frequency than the original script apparently); and Busby’s Bore, from demands. This action undermines Centennial Park to Sydney Town, was the warmth of the relationship with anything but an engineering triumph. the result that Sally Bowles appears Cathcart also brings in the theme more tawdry than usual. The Fraulein of the silence of this flat land (much Schneider/Herr Schultz love story, commented on by the early explorers somewhat unusually, steals the show. from noisier climes – not for us the Connoisseurs of Cabaret will also be crashing waters of the European spring intrigued by Sheridan Harbridge’s thaw), and the explorers’ “American” interpretation of the big show-stopper expectation of divine guidance to the number. Harbridge is vulnerable and lands of milk and honey awaiting shaky during Cabaret – most Sallys within. Australia is a land of oft- put their troubles aside for the big disappointed water dreamers. number – that being the point of the The author, too, is a dreamer, hoping song, life being a cabaret and all that … that the sight of a few thin rainwater The set looks good. Tom Bannerman tanks slapped on the side of terrace has done German expressionism houses indicates a burgeoning desire well – but the doors (!) are shaky by Australians to live with the land. and difficult to manage. Overall, it However, water dreaming continues. probably inhibits rather than enhances Witness the constant calls to pipe with the tilt of the stage stunting the excess fresh water thousands of miles full range of dance – it is a song and and other plans to “drought-proof ” dance number after all – into a weak the nation. As well, we continue to down stage, straight line position. buy spa-baths, water features and However, the production is manfully backyard swimming pools. And next wrangled by Stephen Anderson, year, the state government’s own water your MC for the evening, and with dreaming becomes reality when the strong direction, good singers, fun Kurnell desalination plant pumps choreography and solid acting, converted seawater into our taps. criticism is academic. Not much can Enjoy! stop you enjoying this show. »»[email protected] El Perro del Mar (Sarah Assbring) at the Enmore Theatre Photo: Roanna Manlutac Happy Festive Season and thanks to everyone who read or contributed The Review December ’09 13 Father of the forest

His tradition is very old and is thought to predate Christianity. Scholars and historians think that this mystical pagan figure represents the cycle of life and death in the ancient world. He can be regarded as the “father of the forest”, that is, an archetypal image of the guardian of our natural environment. Mike Harding has searched for Green simon simon carter carter Men all over the world, and has found them THE black book of THE univErsE HarD rain in far flung places such as Paris, Kathmandu, Ranakpur in Rajasthan, and in New Delhi. He has found them in Borneo above doors, on walls, and woven into their baby back- pack style of basket. But nobody seems to know the story of their beginnings. Mike Harding tells us: “What we do know for certain is that figures called Green Men went about in procession during the Middle Ages and were covered in foliage and greenery.” Perhaps the time has come for us to embrace this old tradition and extend it! Our natural world needs us to both celebrate and educate so we all understand our place in our world. That is, we are a species which must connect with, and protect our environment.

The Green Man Photo: Mike Harding Maybe a Green Tent-Embassy is needed on the slopes of our Federal Parliament! This delightful little book is probably hard Marg Vazey to obtain in Australia – but not to worry – there are many images from the book on Who is the Green Man and why is he Mike Harding’s website. Just go to the Green important? He can be seen in many old Man tab and click on the Mystery button. cathedrals and churches in Britain, looking down from the ceilings, on the side or in Mike Harding the centre of the roof bosses, or halfway A Little Book of the Green Man up the pillars. The Green Man is always Aurum Press recognisable, for he has leaves and shoots www.mikeharding.co.uk growing out of his mouth or ears or eyes.

New shows at Wilson Street Gallery

Deborah Beck, Dated, Mixed Media on Paper on Board 118 x 109cm Michelle Collocott, Three Ponds Series C No. 29, Acylic and mixed media on canvas 107 x 107 cm

Text: Paintings, works on paper, artists’ books by gallery and invited artists Michelle Collocott – Three Ponds Series C: the final works Exhibition dates: December 5-20 Exhibition dates: January 23-February 14

Gallery and invited artists use words as a springboard to visual expression in The artist’s absorption in the climate, topography and ecology of an eclectic gathering of paintings, drawings, books and sculpture. this special place reaches its climax in this exhibition of profoundly distilled work. Graham Kuo, Heather Ellyard, Robyn Gordon, Adrian Lockhart, Deborah Beck, Diana Davidson, Katrina O’Brien, Peter Pinson, Virginia Ryan WILSON STREET GALLERY | 30-34 Wilson Street, Newtown, NSW 2042 | Phone: 9516 3144 | Gallery Hours: Wed-Sun 11am-6pm 14 The Review December ’09 SEEKING BENEFACTOR: Precious and unique collection of Indigenous Contemporary Art

Bev Cockburn (secretary/treasurer of the ACC), Ian Williams (editor of Crozworld), and David Stickley (author of the Stickler crossword, Daily Telegraph) at the Cauliflower Hotel Photo: Andrew Collis Looking for clues at the Cauliflower

SSH team member replied, ‘Yes, oldest pub in South Sydney, established 1838, lots of old- The Australian Crossword Club was school colourful history, preferred Rabbitohs established in 1990. Today, with a strong waterhole, publican, William Ryan, is a man membership base across all states in Australia, about town …’ ‘No, no no,’ the customer the Club is a non-profit organisation that interrupted, ‘This is the crossword pub!’” aims to provide enjoyment and stimulation Ryan, owner of the Cauliflower to the devotees of the crossword puzzle. since 2004, is also a Chippendale Members meet on a regular basis in resident and keen crossword solver. each state, but the Annual Get-Together His favourite crossword clue? is always in Sydney and has been held Hard to pick one from the thousands, ‘Civilising the Natives’ by Gordon Syron, 2009 for the past six years at our very own but how about these two! A benefactor is required to establish a ‘Keeping Place’ with this collection as a foundation. Cauliflower Hotel in Waterloo. Gegs (9,4) Viewing of this collection is by request only. Cauliflower owner, William Ryan, fifth Friday giveaways? (10) generation hotelier, a Club member since The Club’s monthly magazine,Crozworld , For an appointment to preview The Keeping Place 1991, says the lunch held last month is filled with prize crosswords of all types, please call Gordon on 0421 031 392. was very informal with many members together with lively discussion between the For more information please visit: www.blackfellasdreaming.wikispaces.com traveling from all over Australia. members. “The magazine also publishes setters’ “It’s a barrel of laughs,” he said. “We got over crosswords – it’s a great way for setters to 100 members including several of the Australian establish themselves,” said editor Ian Williams. Can we save them, Kevin? newspapers’ crossword writing luminaries.” For further details about the ACC contact the Add your name to the online petition, calling on the Federal Government to establish a National Ryan said, “A customer walked in for the Secretary Bev Cockburn on (02) 9635 7802 Aboriginal Museum and to save the collection of 547 Aboriginal artworks, to allow The Keeping Place to first time – think his wife was on a factory (e-mail: [email protected]). re-open to the public : www.gopetition.com/petitions/an-aboriginal-keeping-place.html outlet shop-a-thon – and said to one of the staff, ‘This hotel is famous’. The Cauliflower Answers: Scrambled eggs and Footprints.

How much MORE could you save? South Sydney Crossword

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 TTI A N I C E A B R AAH M 9 O M I X T N C W S I I D T M A 10 11 A P R I L F O O L S A AJ I L 9 10 N R D O A A O O L C M E I G A 12 13 According to charity research firm, Givewell, C O M M U N A L A U N C L O G A M U U G C U L M I M T A I Y 14 15 16 17 charitable giving in Australia has grown in popularity S P OO K Y N O U T R I G H T Low/no N T E T L T M O B E L V B E E in the past decade as individuals and businesses 18 19 20 interest, 11 12 M U S H R OO M E B YBEE Y EEY E T U R O A R C E A P L have come to realise the benefits it can bring. The 21 22 23 24 long-term C A RR O T C O B I T U A R Y list of ways to donate to help others is seemingly N N K W I C I L T N S L AAE 25 26 loans for A N T I P R E O R G A N I S E 29 30 endless, and the rewards, both emotional and W E I S E OOUU U A A A T L 27 28 donations to 13 14 15 16 E X C E R P T E S P A RR O W financial, can be great. Australian charities. First correct entry received by • 36% of Australian taxpayers make a difference Dec 31 will win a mystery prize. through tax-deductible donations to charities. 17 18 19 20 21 Now you’re Send completed puzzle to: really saving. South Sydney Herald • In 2007, $1.88 billion of donations were claimed Crossword PO Box 2360 as tax deductions (a 21.1% increase from 2006). 22 23 24 25 Strawberry Hills NSW 2012. Despite this effort, Australia ranks #13 behind

Kenya, Uganda, & Tanzania in donations as a % 26 27 28 29 of country GDP.

We can do better, but how? 30 31 The answer is simple: GIVE MORE BY GETTING MORE Crossword by D.P. To help you to help others, we are holding free Low/no interest, long-term loans for donations to charity may be the most powerful financial ACROSS DOWN information seminars and YOU are invited. Come strategy that you have never considered. and take the first step toward becoming part of the 9 Escape from crashing jet etc. wasting little time (5) 1 Army officers might make one here (4) Donors without Borders philanthropic community. The best part is that you can actually be ahead 10 Confront change surrounding unprincipled Elle (9) 2 Gobbled up our victory sign indeed (8) financially by donating! 11 De-spatch two-timer (9) 3 Wots up? Pack it in (4) At this seminar you WILL learn: Sound impossible? Think you always have to lose 12 You think you’re indestructible at the outset (5) 4 Doused with whisky? (8) money when donating? Read more to see how the • How to leverage low or no interest loans for time-value of saved taxes can pay off donation 13 Time warp (7) 5 Chew as if some sort of nut (6) donation purposes. debt AND put you ahead financially TODAY... 15 A magnificent beast manifesting a growth (7) 6 A dramatic setting for swings and slides? (10) 17 Cowboy antics within bedroom confines! (5) 7 One hug is all it takes (6) • How to use your standard tax deduction to pay FREE INFORMATION SEMINARS 18 Swim in tzatziki (3) 8 Hey! It’s about a casual affirmation (4) off your purchase and leave extra tax dollars in Dates: 1st, 3rd, 7th and 9th December 2009 20 Untilled up to a point (5) 13 Turn warts into fodder or thatch or a hat (5) your pocket to pay off your bills or donate further Time: 7.30pm-8.30pm to charity. Venue: Level 1, 397 New South Head Rd 22 Shaw is a non-event (7) 14 Through and through tho’ approximately (10) Double Bay, 2028 25 Avoiding dog with a wild dingo heart transplant (7) 16 Mislaid luggage e.g. lost, in Siberia perhaps (5) The Donors Without Borders Phone: (02) 9006 1525 26 Amid but not entirely amongst (5) 19 Breeding displayed devouring pie with greed (8) Fax : (02) 9006 1010 philanthropic initiative will E-mail: [email protected] 27 The endless big bull expressing a bright idea (9) 21 Court of justice witnesses a bread roll during trial (8) show you how your donation will Space is limited – Please contact us to reserve your seat. 30 A serving of humility (6,3) 23 Turbulent story about the origin of mankind (6) actually improve your own financial Refreshments will be served. 31 The first sign of Dawn’s addiction? (5) 24 Dutch bloomers making up list (6) position (do well) and enable you 26 Whether of the head or the heart, each is bad (4) to give more (do good). 28 Half a second …. Correct (4) 29 Prepare kebab mostly in the oven (4) December 2009 COMMUNITY NOTICES 15

SSH advertising works: "Since our ad has been in the SSH, it's been phenomenal. It has really raised our profile in the community. Interest free has increased ten-fold from the old way of letterbox dropping." Wayne Blindeman, Food Distribution Network, Waterloo shuttle bus services FREE shuttle bus services now run from Redfern to Broadway A dvertise in the SSH Uniting Churches shops via the RPA Hospital; and from Woolloomooloo to Redfern “Celebrating the lives of the diverse people of South Sydney, inviting discussion on via Paddy’s Market and St Vincent’s. issues of concern and interest, adding encouragement to possibilities for community.” Partner with the SSH and 30,000 readers who are: These FREE buses are available to all City Of Sydney residents – savvy on a diverse range of issues and operate: – passionate about the area in which they live Thursday and Friday of each week. – looking to support local businesses and people For more information and timetables please Affordable rates • Booking Sheet online • www.southsydneyherald.com.au South Sydney Uniting Church call 9319 4439 or visit www.ssct.org.au [email protected] or 9319 1373 56a Raglan St Waterloo Worship (Eucharist) 10am Sunday Rev Andrew Collis 8399 3410 T his Christmas many families in foodstuffs, cakes or sweets to these Welcoming people of all ages, Refugee Language Program our community are in dire need hampers, drop them in to your local cultural backgrounds, of assistance. Vinnies shop or at 317 Cleveland St sexual orientations and identities. U niversity of Sydney Redfern. The 12 local St Vincent de Paul Peace with justice, integrity The RLP has been operating now for six years with volunteer Conferences meet this need all year Feel the Christmas of creation. teachers who teach small classes on campus, including by visiting homes and giving all kinds Spirit, donate an Intermediate English and Academic Writing class on of help to those in need. And at this generously and Tongan Uniting Church Wednesdays, and a Creative Writing class on Saturdays. time of year the Society distributes join us in spreading (South Sydney) The Creative Writing class is co-taught by a published writer, well over 1000 Christmas hampers to Christmas Cheer. Worship 1pm Sunday Anna Dell’osa, and a documentary filmmaker, local families and individuals as well. Mid-week service Friday 7-8pm Lesley Seebold-Freedman (www.changefocus.com.au). If you would like to contribute toys, Ps Sione Hau 0431 144 247

Classes are free for asylum seekers. Glebe Cafe Church Cnr St Johns & Cambourne Sts An integral part of our Saturday class is the light lunch. What is happening Seniors Glebe Conversation volunteers join the lunch to chat and to provide in Redfern-Waterloo? Gathering Sunday 7pm social contact and cultural information to the students. Christmas Get the latest from www.redwatch.org.au Free For All/Eight O'Clock Sharp Music nights Thu 8pm Further information about the RLP and donation form at email [email protected] for free email updates Concert Steph Gesling 9518 9413 www.arts.usyd.edu.au/centres/cpacs/research/rlp.shtml or call Geoff on 9318 0824 Hosted by the Crystal Set Choir Friday December 4, 2009 Newtown Mission From 1-3pm 280 King St Newtown Worship 9.30am & 6pm Sunday Tickets $4 at the door Rev Ps Doug Clements Redfern Town Hall 9519 9000

Paddington Uniting Church 395 Oxford St Paddington Waterloo Recycling Church Open 10am-2pm Workshop 1st and 3rd Saturdays Worship Sunday 7.30pm Workshop and market open Fridays 9am-12pm. Rev. Peter Walker 9331 2646 Turungah Flats, 1 Phillip St, Waterloo (lower car park). Pitt Street Uniting Church 264 Pitt St, Sydney Affordable furniture and household goods. Worship 10 am Sunday & 6 pm (2nd and 4th Sundays) Donations gladly received (no white goods or electrical Rev Ian Pearson 9267 3614 appliances). Ultimo University Church Volunteers welcome (phone Naomi on 0407 576 098). Cnr Bulwara Road and Quarry St, Ultimo Worship 6.30pm Sunday Rev. Dr John Hirt 0408 238 117

Wayside Chapel 29 Hughes St Potts Point Worship 10am, Bible Study 5pm Sunday Ps Graham Long 9358 6996 GIBSON SEZ “MEZZY XMOZ!”

YOUR LOCAL MEMBERS

Tanya Plibersek MP Malcolm Turnbull MP Verity Firth MP Kristina Keneally MP Clover Moore MP Carmel Tebutt MP Federal Member for Sydney Federal Member for Wentworth State Member for Balmain State Member for Heffron State Member for Sydney State Member for Marrickville 111-117 Devonshire St, Surry Hills Level 1/5a Bronte Rd, Bondi Junction 112a Glebe Point Rd, Glebe Shop 117, 747 Botany Rd, Rosebery 58 Oxford St, Paddington 244 Illawarra Rd, Marrickville NSW 2010 NSW 2022 NSW 2037 NSW 2018 NSW 2021 NSW 2204 T: 02 9357 6366 T: 02 9369 5221 T: 02 9660 7586 T: 02 9699 8166 T: 02 9360 3053 T: 02 9558 9000 F: 02 9357 6466 F: 02 9369 5225 F: 02 9660 6112 F: 02 9699 8222 F: 02 9331 6963 F: 02 9558 3653 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] 16 SP o r T December 2009 WANT TO GET FIT? ATP signs sponsorship WORK OUT AT REDFERN’S WORLD FAMOUS deal with Souths

SSH they perform in this vibrant and when assisting the local community. dynamic part of South Sydney.” “The Australian Technology Park TONY MUNDINE GYM The Australian Technology Under the sponsorship is one of the leading organisations Park (ATP) has entered into a arrangement the ATP will in the heart of the South Sydney WHERE GIANTS ARE MADE • SINCE 1985 two-year agreement to sponsor also receive naming rights to district, so for Souths Cares to have local community service provider the Rabbitohs’ Performance an opportunity to partner with Souths Cares, as well as take on Centre at Redfern Oval, which them was an opportunity that we the naming rights to the Australian will now be referred to as jumped at,” Mr Richardson said. Technology Park Performance the Australian Technology “Our players and staff have made a Centre at Redfern Oval. Park Performance Centre. big impact on the local community The ATP will become a senior and having the backing of the South Cares is the charitable arm partner of the South Sydney Australian Technology Park will of the South Sydney Rabbitohs that Rabbitohs and ATP signage allow Souths Cares to take the next assists disadvantaged youth and will appear at the Australian steps with the Teachers’ Aide and their families in the South Sydney Technology Park Performance Workplace Mentoring programs district through the delivery of Centre at Redfern Oval and at South which are touching our people now. education, training and employment Sydney Rabbitohs’ home games. “Redfern Oval will now house programs. In the financial year In addition select South Sydney the Australian Technology Park of 2009 Souths Cares contributed Rabbitohs events will be held in Performance Centre, with our first over 1,600 hours to schools such the Redfern-Waterloo community big event for 2010 at Redfern Oval as Alexandria Park Community at the Australian Technology Park. coming up on Sunday February 7 School, Green Square, La Perouse “ATP is looking to become a when we play the Manly-Warringah Primary and Matraville Sports High stronger community member,” Sea Eagles in our first trial match COMMUNITY GYM - BOXING School and their communities, Mr Wakelin-King said. “We are of 2010. Last year our game against as well as workplace mentoring a major employer and key part the Wests Tigers was sold-out to WEIGHT TRAINING - CARDIO programs and other activities in the of the economic engine room our Ticketed Members and we are South Sydney district and beyond. in the Redfern-Waterloo area, on track to sell-out again in 2010. KICK BOXING - FITNESS & DANCE STUDIO “Souths Cares is an enormous and we want to make sure that “We started training for the new asset to the community,” ATP we also give help to those in season at the Australian Technology OPEN MON-FRI 9AM-2PM & 5PM-9PM Managing Director Roy Wakelin- need within the community. Our Park Performance Centre on King said. “The reach of Souths relationship with Souths Cares will Monday and we’re looking forward CORNER EVELEIGH & VINE STREETS REDFERN Cares is immeasurable. These be a key part of this strategy.” to providing our players with the players and volunteers make Rabbitohs CEO and Souths Cares best training facilities, as well as our 9319 0316 fundamental differences to the lives board member Shane Richardson community with the best support of kids and their families with little said partnering with a fellow through Souths Cares’ programs, all recognition. This is an opportunity member of the South Sydney with the backing of the Australian to acknowledge the crucial work business community makes sense Technology Park.” S